“We tend to see people who are at the lower end of the socio-economic scale,” Mr Mills said.

“Often they’ve been through the system, they may have been to jail or be welfare recipients.”

The one thing they all have in common is that their drug and alcohol use is having a negative impact on their lives.

Since it opened its doors to substance abuse patients 28 years ago, The Lyndon Community has expanded and now incorporates a range of endeavours including a withdrawal unit, long-term residential rehabilitation program, a research program, a clinical leadership program and a range of outreach programs.

“We aim to give a continuum of care for people,” Mr Mills said.

Like the centre itself, the treatment of people with addictions has changed over the years, having moved on from teaching straight abstinence to harm minimalisation.

“We’re a lot more flexible and responsive to people’s needs and look at people individually,” he said.

Of concern to the entire community is the fact that The Lyndon Community is seeing an increasing number of people who are poly-substance abusers, addicted to a variety of drugs including alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines and prescription medication.

“We’re seeing less people addicted to heroin because it’s hard to get ... it’s much easier for rural people to go doctor shopping,” he said.

“People seem to be more opportunistic about their drug use.”

Lyndon is also seeing an increase in young people using amphetamines, with many under the impression that party drugs don’t cause any harm.

“We talk with them about the harm that can come about as a result of drug use including car accidents, fighting, mental health problems, depression and relationship problems with their families,” he said.

“We also talk to them about drug-seeking behaviour and the impact that can have on their lives.”

In the future Mr Mills hopes to expand the organisation’s outreach programs particularly within Aboriginal communities, forge closer relationships with funding organisations and raise the Lyndon’s profile within the community.

“We also want to get better at dealing with families in terms of early intervention and harm minimalisation,” he said.

“We won’t be banging our drum on the sidewalk; we’re not political, not religious ... we’re independent and we’re scientifically based.”